Identification & Site Information

Name: Unnamed Schooner (Nicknamed T-8)

Type: Schooner

Location: Long Point, Lake Erie

Coordinates: Latitude: 42°35.226’N / Longitude: 80°01.335’W

Depth: 145 feet (48 meters)

Length: Approximately 130 feet (40 meters)

Vessel Type Description

This Schooner, discovered in the 1960s, represents a classic two- or three-masted sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were designed for cargo transport, including lumber, coal, or agricultural products, and were integral to the booming maritime trade of the region. The presence of a Centerboard—a retractable Keel—indicates that this vessel was equipped to handle shallow waters, a typical feature for schooners operating in Lake Erie.

History & Discovery

The wreck, identified as T-8, was discovered during a side-scan sonar survey of the Long Point area in the 1960s. This survey located 16 targets, of which this site became the eighth to be investigated, hence its nickname.

Though the Schooner’s identity remains uncertain, its structural features suggest it was likely a working vessel involved in regional commerce during the late 19th or early 20th century. Schooners of this period often faced risks from storms, collisions, and grounding in the often treacherous waters of Lake Erie.

This particular wreck exhibits severe collision damage, supporting the theory that it sank following an accident involving another vessel. Long Point, a known hazard for ships due to shifting sandbars and unpredictable weather, has claimed numerous vessels over the centuries.

Current Condition & Diving Notes

•Condition:

The Schooner lies with a severe list, likely caused by its collision damage and subsequent descent to the lakebed. The Hull appears mostly intact, with several distinctive features:

•Centerboard: Still in place, indicative of the vessel’s capability to navigate shallow waters.

•Carved Wooden Railing: A unique and prominent decorative feature, possibly offering clues to the vessel’s origin or construction period.

•Hazards:

•The wreck site is entangled with trawl nets and net floats, posing significant risks to divers.

•Visibility may vary due to Lake Erie’s conditions, and the depth of 145 feet (48 meters) requires advanced technical diving skills.

•Accessibility:

The depth and the entanglement risks make this site suitable only for experienced divers with proper equipment. It is recommended to dive with a guide familiar with the site.

Significance

The T-8 Schooner wreck offers valuable insights into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie. Its unique structural features and collision damage provide a tangible narrative of the challenges faced by schooners in an era when these vessels dominated regional commerce. Further research or historical records may one day reveal the Schooner’s identity and details of its final voyage.

Resources & Links

1.NOAA Great Lakes Wrecks: Provides insights into shipwrecks in the Long Point area.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: May contain data on Schooner collisions matching this wreck.

3.Canadian Underwater Archaeology Resources: For wreck preservation and research on Lake Erie.

Conclusion

The T-8 Schooner wreck is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners. Its preserved state, with distinctive features like the carved railing and Centerboard, makes it a site of interest for divers and historians alike. As one of many wrecks near Long Point, it contributes to the region’s rich maritime heritage, while the mystery of its identity continues to inspire exploration and research.

Keywords

Schooner, Lake Erie, Long Point, shipwreck, Great Lakes, carved wooden railing, collision damage, side-scan sonar, maritime history, T-8 wreck.